White Bean Soup For A Crowd Recipes

THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic, beans, tomato paste, potatoes, rosemary (whole sprig, chopped, or dried, whatever it's easier for you) and paprika (if you use it). Cook stirring frequently, about 1 minute.
• Add the wine, stir well and let it simmer until it has evaporated, cooking for another minute.
• Then add the frozen spinach, the vegetable broth and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce heat and cook gently for 15 minutes.
• When the potatoes are soft and the soup is thick and creamy, remove the pot from heat, then remove the sprig rosemary*. Taste and season with salt and pepper. (I usually add a pinch of salt at the beginning + 1/2 tsp later. You might need more salt, depending on your vegetable broth and on your personal preferences.)*
• Divide into bowls, drizzle with olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, and more freshly ground black pepper if you like. Serve with crusty whole grain bread and, if you don't keep it vegan, add freshly grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy!

WHITE BEAN SOUP FOR A CROWD

Steps:

• Sort and wash beans according to package directions. Place in a 3 1/2-quart or larger slow cooker. Fill the cooker with water to capacity. Soak without turning on the cooker, 8 hours to overnight.
• Drain excess water and refill cooker with fresh water. Turn cooker to Low and cook until beans are soft, about 8 hours.
• Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add onions and carrots; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and carrots begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add ham, tomatoes, and garlic and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Puree about 2/3 of the cooked beans in small batches in a blender or food processor, using the bean broth to help puree and adding extra water if needed. Add puree and remaining whole beans to the soup pot; add enough water to bring soup to desired thickness. Stir in parsley, thyme, celery salt, salt, and pepper. Simmer slowly, stirring occasionally, until soup is hot and all vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes.